Best Binocular Reviews

Wize Buying Guide for Binoculars
Binoculars are a versatile optical tool, useful for everyone from hunters to sports spectators to fishers, amateur astronomers, boaters and more. Since there are dozens of brands and hundreds of models on the market, it's important to think about what you need in terms of size, magnification, optics, and extra features such as tripod compatibility, grip and waterproofing.

Binocular Sizes

Binoculars are classed using a number system, eg 7 x 50. The first number represents the amount of magnification; 7 means the number of times the image will be magnified. A larger magnification is not always the best, because as magnification increases, brightness decreases. The second number represents the diameter of the front lens; 50 is equal to 50 mm. The larger the diameter, the brighter and sharper the image will be. 

The most frequently asked question by prospective binocular buyers is "What size is right for me?" The answer always depends on your intended use. Here's a rough guide:

• Hunting: 8 x 40, 8 x 42, 10 x 40

• Birding: 8 x 40, 8 x 42, 10 x 40, 10 x 42

• Astronomy: 7 x 50, 10 x 5010 x 70, 20 x 80, 25 x 100

• Marine: 7 x 50

• Sports: 8 x 40, 8 x 42

• Hiking: 8 x 25, 10 x 25

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Binocular Prisms and Optics

The optical quality of a pair of binoculars is based on the type of prism and optical glass. Prisms produce an upright, left-to-right image. There are two types of prisms: porro and roof.

Roof prisms are generally recommended for active use in the outdoors, as they make for a smaller, more rugged binocular. However, they tend to be fairly expensive, and they do not provide as much contrast as porro prisms, which are better for astronomers. Porro prisms are very affordable, but it is easy to knock the lenses out of alignment.

Optical glass is made from either BaK4 - barium crown glass - or BK7 - borosilicate flint glass. The better of the two tends to be the BaK4 glass, which produces sharper, more defined images.

Lens Coatings and Focusing

Chemical coatings protect the lens and brighten the images that binoculars provide. There are three main types of coatings:

• Fully coated: single-layer coating for inexpensive binoculars

• Multi-coating: maximum light

• Fully multi-coated: brightest and sharpest image

You will want to think about how you want your binoculars to focus:

• Fixed focus: not adjustable
  

• Center-focus: a single center-mounted wheel for versatile adjustment
  

• Interpupillary focus: adjusts width to match distance between eyes

• Diopter focus: ability to adjust individual eyes
  

Center-focus binoculars are by far the most popular and easy to use, but if you're using your binoculars for night-vision, you may want to consider a diopter focus; focusing may be slower, but celestial objects don't move very quickly, and this will allow you to fine-tune what you see more simply.

Range of Prices

Prices range from less than $60 to $3500 and sometimes more. Nikon Action VII binoculars are one of the best overall models for most uses and cost about $100, but a specialized pair like the Canon L IS WP Binoculars feature image stabilizing, diopter focus, waterproofing and provide sharp, detailed images of quickly-moving objects, and cost about $1000. Once you have decided on a budget range, do some research to compare features and get the best price.

Technical Specifications 

Depending on what you want your binoculars to do, you may want to consider the following features and technical specs:

• Compatibility: are you using your binoculars with a tripod? Do you already have a tripod that your binoculars need to fit?
  

• Controls: how easy should your binoculars be? Do you want ease and simplicity or maximum control?
  

• Weight: do you use your binoculars for long periods of time or travel with your binoculars? If so, you might want a lighter-weight model
  

• Waterproof: good for hunting, bird-watching, marine sports, rainy days, outdoor use in general, as well as cleaning
  

• Grip: do they fit your hands? Are they easy and comfortable to hold?
  

• Armored: do you want a rugged pair of binoculars with a rubber coat to prevent nicks and scratches?
  

Buying Binoculars

Once you have narrowed your binoculars choice(s), visit a store to try out the binoculars you think you might like. It's always smart to see and feel a product in person before you buy.

When you feel you've made your choice, comparison shopping online will get you the best possible deal.